Martha Hill Jamison, Member

Luke 24: 13-16
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 

Reflection:
“I can’t wait until everything gets back to normal.” How many times have I said or heard this phrase since COVID-19 made its presence known? 

We have put much of our lives on hold. [Almost] No traveling, no lunches with friends, no hugs. I have not given myself permission to enjoy life because it is not back to normal. Even after receiving the vaccine, life doesn’t feel normal. I feel stuck.

Why, though, do I believe that life only will be restored when it looks and feels exactly like it did in early 2020? Why do I discount everything that has happened since–as not normal, and therefore illusory? And, why do I believe that God’s plan is for everything to look exactly like it did before?

When I reflect on what God has done in the last year, I remember: loved ones died and were celebrated, even though we had no communal funerals. My daughter married, although the ceremony was in our backyard and the reception was a drive-by. I faithfully attended church, even though the preachers were on Zoom and I was in my pajamas. I had many outings (or perhaps “in-ings”), such as girlfriend reunions, book club meetings, and Bible studies, thanks to Zoom. Kids had school and courts had hearings, even though sometimes only virtually.

Why discount any of this, just because it did not happen as I would have expected? Why grieve for kids who missed prom, when they are creating memories of a lifetime, though in ways I never imagined? God has not put life on hold; God is revealing to us that we are capable of a lot in the face of struggle. God has used all of this to reveal to us what is important. And, that is not being stuck in traffic!   

I see now that I have been walking to Emmaus during the last year, not recognizing that Jesus himself has been with me. That he already has redeemed the danger and uncertainty of COVID-19. That sometimes resurrection does not look like I expect. 

Prayer:
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank you for walking with me this past year. Forgive me for not recognizing you. I have been stuck, waiting for a resurrection of my pre-2020 life. Waiting for the restoration of my maskless hugginess. I failed to see that you have already redeemed this lousy COVID-19 situation and are active in the world, showing us what is important and how we can build your Kingdom. Open my eyes, that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine! Amen.